Most popular islands in Southern Thailand

28/01/2019 293 5/5 trong 2 rates

Escape the chaotic madness of Bangkok and take a trip to an island of your choice, be it for pure relaxation, adventure or just to top up your tan, there is always an island that is designed just for you.

1. Phuket

Phuket, located in the Andaman Sea, is one of the most popular islands in all of Thailand. Once an undeveloped jewel, Phuket is now a hub for tourism. While the increase in infrastructure and nightlife makes it an appealing spot for millions of travelers, this isn’t the island for those looking for solitude. If you’re excited about the nightlife, then Patong is the must-see spot with the largest resort atmosphere. In Chalong Bay, you can go beyond the beaches and explore some incredible Buddhist monuments. Check out temples like Wat Chalong and Wat Luang Pu Supa as well as the white marble Big Buddha statue located on the top of Naka Kerd Mountain.

2. Ko Samui

Ko Samui is one of the most visited islands in Thailand. There are abundant accommodations for travelers ranging from small bungalows to exclusive villas on the island. There are several festivals that take place every year on Ko Samui, including the Buffalo Fighting Festival, the Ten Stars Samui Art Party, and several street fairs with vendors selling local delicacies, clothing, and souvenirs. Sailing enthusiasts also gather for the yearly Samui Regatta, and triathletes and their supporters flock to Samui for the annually Triathlon Event.

3. Koh Phayam

Located along the coast of Ramong and Burmese border, Koh Phayam is indifferent to hustle and bustle of the modern city. Since this place is a small and pristine island, everything is quite limited. To explore the whole amazing things in this small island, you can hire a motorbike to drive along the coast, start from the beach, go through the forest and stop at rubber station. In addition, you can also visit small restaurants of the locals to enjoy the true taste of Koh Phayam.

4. Koh Yao

Although lying between Krabi and the popular island Phuket, Koh Yao is quite more peace and pristine. While the pace of development is accelerating on Koh Yao in particular, the islands remain a quiet refuge that feels far removed from the crowds of Phuket. Koh Yao Noi gained worldwide attention after receiving the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine for the eco-friendly homestay programs offered by its local residents. Other activities available on the island include agricultural demonstrations (rubber and fishing), kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and swimming.

5. Koh Mook

Koh Mook is located on the western coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea but is pretty much unknown to many Thailand travelers. Most of the travelers visit Koh Mook to admire Emerald. Since Koh Mook is a small island and doesn’t have an airport, many people would consider the journey as difficult. From the view of a package tourist, this might be true, but as an independent traveler not really.

6. Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is every adventurer’s dream: a short distance from a wide variety of other Thai islands, you can use this as your base camp and still explore other islands throughout your trip. Even if you would rather just stay put, Koh Lipe has plenty to offer; breathtaking beaches, a variety of food from around the world and more coconut trees than you can imagine - undeniably one of the best islands in Thailand’s South.

7. Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is touted to be one of the most beautiful yet easily accessible island groups in the world. While the latter is certainly true, the former is quickly becoming less so. The entire region is technically part of a Marine National Park, but the hordes of visitors have taken a toll on the beaches and reefs over the years.